04.17.11
Bye-bye Stevens, thanks for the turns!
It was a different closing day then we were used to. For the last 4 years, it has been sunny and warm with good vibes all over the hill. Today, the snow was concrete and rutted. It was snowing all day, and it didn't get fun until after 2:00. These conditions are fine, but for the last day of operations - not exactly the way we wanted to go out. I mean, it was terrible! We had enough "trying" and took a long lunch. We found Pat and Geneva and they joined us for a few beers and laughs. The sun, snow, or clouds teased us during our meal coming in and out in total confusion. The Pond Skim started and we were on Brooks patiently waiting a few rides in the park. The park was fun with a couple dicey landings. The sun melted just enough of the snow to make some turns acceptable and we did a few laps on Skyline and Hogsback. Not amazing, not horrible, just something to ride. Still kinda bummed about the final day conditions, we checked out the last few huckers at the Pond Skim. The drop-in was pretty tall, but it seemed to work well. We ended up engaging in a small snow ball fight with the spectators on the other side of the pond and also hucking a few at the skimmers. Is this really the end? Man, it sure didn't feel right.
2011 was a season of give-and-take. The beginning brought heavy snow really fast and then it was try for a long time. The dry season teased us weekend riders with the typical Sunday night-Wednesday powder dumps as we watched from web cams at our workstations. March had INSANE snowfall, probably the best in years....if you could ride on weekdays. Sure, we got some leftovers on the weekends, but we had to put in a lot of effort to get it. We learned more about backcountry and the fruits that await us after hard work. My best lines this season were found back there. I guess in summary, it was a season of discovery. For my wife, she discovered how to ride powder (finally) and the enlightenment it brings to ones soul. I can proudly say, "she get's it." You will never see a bigger smile than the one she has when she is skiing. I wish she could get more days. We also finally experienced "The Epic Whistler Pow." It took us six years, but we finally got it and it took care of us. REALLY took care of us.
So, now Crystal is open through summer which is awesome. I hope to get some summer turns in soon because how cool is that? I am honestly ready for warm weather and to get back to projects I want to start. Stoked to camp. Stoked to hike. Stoked to stop wearing jackets. Bring on the summer, we will talk about snow again in October.
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